5 Ways to Honor Seniors in the LGBT Community

By James Pasquinelli, 9:00 am on May 9, 2017

Showing LGBT seniors they are appreciated is a great way to boost their self-esteem. By building their confidence, they can be happier about their lives and face everyday challenges proudly. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality non-medical home care. Altamonte Springs families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Here are some of the ways you can shower LGBT seniors with unconditional love, support, and appreciation.

1. Be Polite

Being polite is a demonstration of respect for seniors who are a part of the LGBT community. A large percentage of older adults have grown up in a time where being polite to someone was normal etiquette. Treating LGBT seniors with the respect they deserve is a great way to honor them, especially with the hardships some seniors in the LGBT community face. Always listen to seniors when they’re talking and address them by the name they prefer.

2. Visit Frequently

If your loved one does not live with you, make it a priority to see him or her as often as possible. Some seniors in the LGBT community have difficulty maintaining social networks, which can lead to isolation and even depression. However, visiting your loved one regularly could boost his or her mood and provide the unconditional love LGBT seniors deserve.

3. Find Adequate Medical Care

Some LGBT seniors face discrimination from aging services, including medical professionals and local programs. This often leads to seniors foregoing the programs and care out of fear of being turned away, mistreated, or harassed. However, you can help your loved one choose the right community programs or high-quality doctors who will not discriminate. Your loved one will feel great knowing you are there in the event he or she encounters insensitive run-ins with staff and representatives.

4. Volunteer Together

There are LGBT programs your loved one can get involved with on both national and local levels. However, if you volunteer for these community organizations as well, your loved one may feel honored and appreciated. There are a variety of causes you could volunteer for, such as programs that fight for federal funds and resources allotted toward aging adults in the LGBT community. Many of these organizations are created to ensure LGBT seniors maintain their rights and are able to age with the respect and dignity they deserve.

If you are not able to accompany your loved one to volunteering opportunities, a professional caregiver can help. For families living in Windermere, FL, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

5. Host a Luncheon

A great way to honor LGBT seniors is to host a party that is all about them. Having a dinner, luncheon, or small gathering allows you and other family and friends to make your loved one feel truly appreciated. Go to one of your loved one’s favorite restaurants, or choose a theme for a party you host at your home. Be sure to play some of your loved one’s favorite music and movies. This is a great way for your loved one to be around people who will not discriminate against him or her.

Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Orlando, FL, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call (407) 232-7155 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.